Environment body opposes coastguard tug cuts 5/8/11
The local authorities’ environmental body, KIMO UK, is seriously concerned that the Government plans to remove coastguard tugs will lead to increased amounts of pollution in the UK’s waters.
The body slammed the government for ignoring advice from a range of groups opposed
to the move. It says the absence of the towing vessels will leave coastal users without
emergency back-
Tom Piper of KIMO UK said: “KIMO UK is extremely worried that the UK’s ETV’s will be removed from service in September, with only the vessel in Stornoway possibly retained for a few months while alternative funding is identified, at the very least this short term arrangement must cover all four tugs.
“Whilst we support a move to a more cost effective funding package for the tugs but we feel it is the Government’s responsibility to put this in place and commit to providing long term emergency cover.”
He added: “We totally disagree with the government's view that “ship salvage should be a commercial matter between a ship's operator and the salvor” as the reality is many innocent local authorities would be affected in the case of an accident.
Norman MacDonald, KIMO UK Chair said “At the beginning of the spending review David Cameron promised there would be no frontline cuts. Surely the removal of the UK’s Emergency Tugs is going against this promise.”